Teak Deck caulking problem!!

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FrankieJ

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Our Bavaria has, in the cockpit sole and seats, teak decking (the marine equivalent of laminate flooring!) It is caulked with a black substance which unfortunately appears to be disolving when wet, resulting in black deposits on feet which is then carried onto the white decks. As a result we are continually cleaning the topsides. Does anyone know what we could, ideally, seal the cauking with to remedy the problem? Or can anyone suggest a simple remedy. No matter how long we wash it, it still continues to give off black deposits. Our boat lives in the Ionian. Any input or information would be greatly appreciated.
 
I've not heard of this problem on new boats. On older boats decks were sometimes caulked with jeffreys glue. This would go soft in hot conditions and could be walked around the boat. New decks tend to be caulked with sikaflex which once set is normally very stable.
 
Should not happen. The material could have been past its date when applied.

The other thing is cooking oils are terrible for caulking. Most of them will remove it and make is sticky. Have you oiled the wood in any way.
 
Occurs with some caulking agents if they've been contaminated with petroleum products. Diesel spillage in the locality? Cures are to wait until the solvent dries out (takes ages with diesel and heavier oils) or scrape out and re-caulk. See how deep the softness pentrates by having a scrape. If it's deep, scrape out and re-caulk. If it's shallow, it may dry out.

An alternative possibility is that the original caulk did not cure properly - in which case all areas of the deck will be affected equally, and the the whole depth will be soft and easily scraped out. If so, this is poor workmanship . . . a warranty claim if in date . . .
 
I have the same problem on a Bav44 2002. In my case it seems that the caulking around the edges is the only/main area of problem, not the part between the teak strips. I have asked my local Bav dealer but no reply so far.
It does look like a re-caulk around the perimeter is required but I expect it to be a messy job.

Branko, how did you clean off the old stuff and which type of Sikaflex did you use?
Ray
 
[ QUOTE ]
I have the same problem on a Bav44 2002. In my case it seems that the caulking around the edges is the only/main area of problem, not the part between the teak strips. I have asked my local Bav dealer but no reply so far.
It does look like a re-caulk around the perimeter is required but I expect it to be a messy job.

[/ QUOTE ]
This is consistent with what I'd heard, that Bav cockpits are fitted out with teak-faced ply. The black strips between the 'planks' are therefore probably something other than caulk, but they will have used caulk around the perimeter.
 
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